Turner teachers OK contract, other schools continue talks

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2008/01/23/news/news02.txt

Posted: Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008 - 11:30:26 am CST
By Ashley Rhodebeck
Daily News staff writer

Teacher contract negotiations for the School District of Beloit Turner settled Monday after the union voted 62-13 to ratify the agreement, making it the first area school system to resolve the 2007-08 and 2008-09 contracts.
Fifteen members did not vote, said Turner Education Association President Shelly Crull-Hanke.

The Board of Education approved the proposed agreement at its business meeting last week after the TEA members waived their right to vote first.

Bargaining began in July, and the settlement came about a month after the board asked the union for a vote.

Crull-Hanke said negotiations weren't as contentious as last time and communication between bargaining teams remained open, making the first round of negotiations with new Superintendent Dennis McCarthy positive.

In addition to settling a contract, the union and district representatives built a trusting relationship with each other, which McCarthy said was probably the best aspect to come out of the process because it will give them a great starting point for the next round.

Crull-Hanke said she would guess those who voted against the agreement may have disliked the salary offer.

FULL story at link.